A Journey Through American History

Discover some of the most pivotal moments in the history of the
world's largest superpower, the USA. From the hardships of the
pioneers, who came to colonise this harsh environment, through the
Revolutionary and Civil wars, to the founding fathers and the
creation of the US constitution. America's history may not be long,
but it is most certainly captivating.

America's Founding History 2018Tour Details

To Washington DC

We fly from London to the political powerhouse of Washington
D.C. On arrival we transfer to our hotel, the perfect base from
which to explore the US capital. On Day 2 we enjoy
a guided tour of 'The District's', most famous landmarks including
Capitol Hill, the largest historical residential district in
Washington and instantly recognisable thanks to the distinctive
Capitol Building.

We also take in the Pentagon, headquarters of the United States
Department of Defence, the Washington Memorial, one of the city's
most iconic monuments, and Georgetown before continuing to
Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of JFK. Next
is the world-famous White House, home to each serving President of
the United States. Following the tour your afternoon is at
leisure.

Why not visit the incredible Smithsonian Institute? With
different buildings dedicated to natural history and the history of
air and space travel, these informative and interesting museums are
an excellent way to spend an afternoon. This evening we enjoy
dinner and a talk from a guest lecturer.

At leisure in Washington DC

Today you are free to discover more of Washington at your own
pace. You could also spend some time at the peaceful Lincoln
Memorial, viewing both the enormous statue of one of America's most
famous presidents and the spot where Martin Luther King Junior
delivered his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. Alternatively spend
some time at the Washington Monument, located just east of the
peaceful reflecting pool, going up to the top to see a marvellous
view of the capital.

Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle

After a leisurely morning, we catch the Amtrak service from
Washington's Union Station to Williamsburg in Virginia for a
two-night stay. On Day 5 we immerse ourselves in
America's pilgrim heritage as we visit the three areas that hold
the densest concentration of colonial-era history in the US. We
begin at Jamestown, the New World's very first permanent English
colony, and the 'birthplace of America'. Here we take a step back
in time, as the year 1607 is brought to life through re-enactments
and exhibitions at this living museum.

Next we continue to the nearby Yorktown Victory Centre, which is
set in 1781. In this sixth year of the Revolution, the American and
French armies have just won a decisive victory against the English,
the last major land battle to take place during the war. On this
momentous site, we delve into the expertly- chronicled
revolutionary time line, allowing us to experience the daily lives
of the soldiers, right up to the formation of a new, independent
America

The American Civil War

Today we head to the unique destination of Colonial
Williamsburg, which has been meticulously recreated to look as it
would in the 18th century. We have time to explore the 301-acre
site; there are many authentic buildings here to explore including
a blacksmiths and armoury, the Governor's Palace, and a traditional
1766 coffee house.

Our second stop today sees us visit the Richmond National
Battlefield Park Civil War Visitor Centre. Exploring the
fascinating history of one of the most crucial wars ever fought in
America, this museum is packed full of exhibits and artefacts from
the various battles and events which took place. Later we continue
to pretty Charlottesville for a two-night stay. This evening we
take a talk from our guest speaker about the area and enjoy
dinner.

Monticello & Charlottesville

Today we visit Monticello, the plantation where Thomas Jefferson
lived. This is one of the USA's most famous buildings, even
featuring on the back of the nickel, and here we enjoy a guided
tour around this striking house, which is still furnished as it
would have been when the nation's third president resided here. We
then have some free time to look around the various gardens before
returning to Charlottesville, for a tour and tasting at a local
winery. The rest of the afternoon is then free to explore
Charlottesville, with its tree-lined streets of early American
architecture.

Through Hallowed Ground to Gettysburg

Leaving Charlottesville, today we travel towards Gettysburg. Our
journey takes us along Route 15, a notable area known as the
'Journey through Hallowed Ground', perhaps best known as a cradle
of democracy in the USA. Many important political episodes and
documents originated here - among them the Declaration of
Independence, the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation
Proclamation, arguably three of the most important speeches and
documents to ever come out of America. It is also the birthplace of
no fewer than nine US presidents. Later we arrive into the old town
of Gettysburg, where we spend two nights. This evening, we have
dinner with a representative of 'The Journey through Hallowed
Ground', society, following which they'll bring the important story
of this remarkable land to life with an informative talk.

Gettysburg

Often described as the turning point of the American Civil War,
today we visit the battlefield of Gettysburg for a guided tour.
Detailing the three days of fighting that resulted in a great many
losses on both sides, we will learn about General Lee's retreat
back to Virginia as well as visit the Gettysburg National Military
Park Museum which focuses on the well-known speech President
Lincoln gave here four months following the battle, the famous
Gettysburg Address, delivered to commemorate the soldiers that fell
during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Philadelphia

Today we travel by coach to Philadelphia, America's first
capital and closely linked to the nation's founding history. Here
we take a guided tour of some of the city's most important sites
such as the Independence National Historical Park.

It was here in the Independence Hall that the Declaration of
Independence and the US Constitution were debated - and today this
monumental site is home to the National Constitution Centre, an
interactive museum which details the national significance of this
fascinating area.

The journey home

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be
found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices
& Availability' button. We write to all booked customers
approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise
the exact departure and return time for their particular group.